Counting down to the end of 2018, you are probably thinking about what’s ahead and how you can best prepare for that. Some of the most significant trends we have seen in 2018 will, in all probability, continue into the coming year; some are familiar topics, and some perhaps are stepping to the fore with a bit more urgency.
So, here are a few small business trends for you to consider as you formulate your plans:
Marketing trends for 2019
Personalization
Personalization is something we have all seen and experienced in recent times. It is no longer acceptable to simply send out your marketing messages to the nameless throng. Email personalization is just a small part of this, but if you use an email marketing platform, it’s an easy one to accomplish. Addressing your customers by name boosts CTR by a huge margin – proving that when you send the right message to the right person, you will get results!
Retargeting
Retargeting is a great way to keep your brand top-of-mind. It is a way of redelivering content to a customer who has already been on your site but has not purchased anything. When they see your content appear on another website they are surfing, it will remind them about your product and lead them back to complete the sale. Retargeting also offers data that can help you understand buying behaviors as well as the content a customer is consuming.
More competition in social marketing
Social media advertising is becoming incredibly competitive. As a result, costs will continue to rise even as the potential for success ramps up. Your best bet is to focus on engaging your followers organically, using highly relevant content and other non-paid tactics. As ads become more pervasive, consumers will increasingly tune them out, so providing an authentic and engaging experience will serve you better in the long run.
Cybersecurity trends in 2019
These days, there is no company so small that it cannot be targeted by malicious intent. Your best solution is to make sure your systems, your devices, and your network are protected from every possible angle.
And while protection is good, prevention is truly the key in 2019. Deploying a firewall and other security measures on-the-ground is a great idea, but in order to be fully protected, to ensure your business continuity, you should consider a hybrid or cloud SaaS security solution. This way, you can take advantage of enterprise-grade security at a price you can afford and be fully confident that your business will carry on, no matter what.
Trends in the way we work in 2019
The past few years have seen a significant rise in the “gig economy”. The availability and accessibility of freelancers is a huge boon for small businesses as now, you have the ability to access professional expertise without putting them on the payroll. From virtual assistants to graphic designers, app developers, awesome copywriters, and more, it’s all at your fingertips.
How will your business model change in 2019?
If you live, work, and do business in Annapolis, MD, we’d love to meet! My Annapolis Office offers flexible, affordable office packages for small businesses that are designed to help you grow. Drop by for a tour today and let us show you how we can help!
